Aquastar Skr15nl103 Flow Star Water Bonded Skimmer Instruction Manual

SKR15NL103 Flow Star Water Bonded Skimmer

Product Information

The product is a skimmer used for pool, spa, or hot tub
installations. It is designed to remove floating contaminants,
oils, and debris from the water. The skimmer operates by pulling
water through the skimmer basket, trapping leaves and bugs while
allowing dust and body oils to pass through to be removed by the
filter. The skimmer also includes a weir door to enhance surface
flow and skimming action.

Specifications:

Product Usage Instructions

Water Level:

Keep the water level of the pool, spa, or hot tub at the middle
water level mark indicated on the data plate image located inside
the skimmer housing. Operating below the low mark is not
recommended for optimal performance.

Flow Adjustments:

Adjust the shut-off valves located before the pump to balance
the flow from the pool’s main drains. Refer to Figure 2 for a
typical residential installation.

Vacuuming Pool:

To vacuum the pool, follow these steps:

1. Remove the skimmer cone plug, equalizer, and float valve.
2. Connect the cleaner hose to the vacuum head and attach it to
   the skimmer.
3. Adjust valves located before the pump for proper flow.
4. Refer to Figure 3 for a visual representation of the vacuuming
   process.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is required to ensure proper operation of
the skimmer. Follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Periodically check the weir for free operation and replace if
  damaged or worn.
• Check the strainer basket for accumulated leaves and debris,
  and empty as needed.
• Inspect the skimmer deck lid for cracks, chips, or
  deterioration. If any damage is found, replace the deck lid and
  fasteners.
• During winterization, drain the pool below the skimmer inlet,
  remove the cover, basket, and float, and plug the bottom port(s) to
  prevent freezing.

Skimmer Layout and Suction Line Sizing:

The number of skimmers needed for installation depends on the
facility type. Refer to Table 1 for minimum requirements. When
selecting the location for skimmers, at least one should be
positioned to face the prevailing wind. The suction pipe should be
sized based on the design flow rate.

Table 1: Minimum Number of Skimmers

Max Flow
/ ” Pipe: GPM ” Pipe : 6 GPM

FLOWSTAR® SKIMMER
PUBLIC & RESIDENTIAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & PARTS

Min Flow
/ ” Pipe: GPM ” Pipe : GPM

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKR1xx, SKR1xx-L, SKR15xxx, SKR15xxx-L, SKR2xx, SKR2xx-L, SKR17xxx, SKR17xxx-L, SKR14xxx, SKR14xxx-L, SKR32xx, SKR32xx-L,

READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING!
HAZARDOUS SUCTION. RISK OF HAIR OR BODY ENTRAPMENT, DROWNING OR DISEMBOWELMENT. When an equalizer is used, the opening in the pool shall be protected by a VGBA Compliant drain cover rated for 100 GPM or greater. NOTE: Skimmer is not equivalent to a main drain. If not using a single, unblockable drain, all pools, spas and hot tubs must have at least
two main drains besides skimmer(s) or a “single, unblockable” drain.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

OPERATION

Operation Overview
Pump suction pulls water through skimmer. Water flowing into skimmer carries floating leaves, bugs, etc., where they are trapped in the skimmer basket. Dust, body oils, etc., pass through the basket to be removed by the filter. Weir door in skimmer opening enhances surface flow and skimming action.
Water Level
Keep pool, spa or hot tub water level at the middle water level mark, on the data plate image located inside skimmer housing, for best performance. Never operate below the low mark, see Figure 1.

Plug

Adjust Shut-off

Valves to

Balance Flow

From Pool

Main Drains

Figure 2: Typical residential installation

To Pump Suction

Flow Adjustments

Figure 1: Data Plate Image

Adjust valves located before the pump, see Figure 2.

Vacuuming Pool
Remove deck lid and skimmer basket. If there is a float valve, remove it and plug equalizer port that is closest to the pool. Replace basket and place vacuum plate on top of basket. Fill the vacuum hose with water and then place your hand over the end of the hose as you bring it through the skimmer throat, or over the deck to attach it to the vacuum plate (Figure 3). Follow instructions in vacuum owner’s manual for vacuuming operation. After vacuuming, remove hose, vacuum plate and basket, unplug equalizer port and reinstall float valve, basket and deck lid.

Cleaner Hose
Regulator Valve Skimmer Cone Plug Equalizer and Remove Float Valve

Optional Equalizer Line (AquaStar’s Float Valve Is Not NSF Certified)

To Pump Suction

Figure 3: Vacuuming pool; float and check valves removed, equalizer port plugged.

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MAINTENANCE
Periodically check weir for free operation. Replace if damaged or worn. Check strainer basket as often as needed for accumulated leaves, debris, etc. Empty basket as required.
Skimmer deck lid is made of impact and weather resistant materials, but extended use (5-10 years) may lead to reduced strength. Regularly check condition of skimmer lid. Look for cracks, chips, deterioration of plastic, etc. If any sign of damage or deterioration is found, replace the deck lid and fasteners.
To winterizing, drain pool until level is below skimmer inlet. Remove cover, basket and float. Plug bottom port(s). Cover skimmer to prevent rainwater or snow from entering the skimmer where it could freeze.
WARNING! LOW WATER LEVEL CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO EXIT POOL AND MAY DAMAGE PUMP AND OTHER POOL EQUIPMENT. Note: An equalizer line is a way to bypass the skimmer and it is intended to inhibit damage to the pump when pool water level is below the throat of the skimmer or the basket is full. You must check your local code as some require equalizer lines, others don’t allow them and others leave it to the pool designer. When equalizer line is used the cover inside the pool must be VGBA compliant, and have a flow rating higher than the skimmer’s configuration-specific flow rating.

SKIMMER LAYOUT AND SUCTION LINE SIZING

Skimmers are critically important for removing floating contaminants, oils, and debris; for this reason modern pool building codes require that the number of skimmers installed are capable of handling 100% of the filtration flow rate.
1. The minimum number of skimmers needed is based on
facility type (See Table 1).
2. When selecting the location for skimmers, at least one
should be placed so that the prevailing wind blows towards the skimmer.
3. Size suction pipe based on the design flow rate such that
the water velocity in the pipe will not exceed six feet per second. To increase system flow capacity for long pipe runs, use multiple pipes (both ports) or larger pipe (2.5” spigot, or 3”/4” adapter bushing #BFB101). See figures 5 and 7 piping layout.

Table 1: Skimmers Required Per Square Foot Area

Facility Type
Public Pool Residential Pool Public and Residential Spa

Area Per Skimmer (sq. .)
500 800
150

Example: A public pool that is 1000 sq. ft. requires at least two skimmers.

INSTALLATION

See section “Dimensions and Parts list” and “Skimmer Head Loss and Installation Dimensions” for basic dimensions. Top cover frame has 1″ vertical height adjustment. NOTICE: Skimmer MUST be surrounded by at least 4″ of structural concrete in a monolithic pour.

PIPE CONNECTIONS AND TESTING Connect pump inlet line to rear port in bottom manifold. Skimmer manifold is PVC, and comes in a variety of configurations. For threaded connections inside skimmer manifold, do not use pipe dope; to seal joint use RTV Silastic #732 (preferred), Teflon tape or Plasto-Joint Stik. For slip connections, apply PVC primer to PVC pipe only. Then apply PVC to PVC solvent cement to both pipe and slip connections. Consult distributor for correct solvent cement for pipe used. Assemble joint per cement manufacturer’s instructions, allowing recommended set time before pressure testing.

WARNING! PLASTIC CEMENTS AND PRIMERS CAN BE FLAMMABLE, POISONOUS OR BOTH. CLOSELY FOLLOW CEMENT MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

WARNING! FALLING AND TRIPPING HAZARD. THE DECK LID MUST BE INSTALLED FLUSH WITH THE DECK LEVEL.

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DIMENSIONS AND PARTS LIST

FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face

10-7/32

5-1/2

1-1/4

12-29/32 10-1/4

Part # SKR1xx

19-21/32

8-11/16

2
2-1/2″ Spigot x 2″ Socket x 2″ NPT

1. Skimmer Body
2. 2″ Port Plug 3. Float Assembly 4. Basket 5. Basket Rod

6. Collar 7. Lid 8. Plaster Shield 9. Weir Assembly 10. WeirClip, Qty 2

8 9
10

7 Part Numbers/Colors
6

4

SKR101 – White

5

SKR102 – Black

3

SKR103 – Lt. Gray

SKR105 – Dk. Gray

1

SKR108 – Tan

FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face and 9” Ultra Basket (Optional Water Bond)

Part # SKR1xx-L, SKR15xxx-L (Bonded)

~10-7/32

~5-1/2

~1-1/4 ~8-11/16

~12-29/32 ~10-1/4

~23-23/32

2

2 1/2″ SP. X 2″ SOC. X 2″ NPT

1. Deep Skimmer Body with Water Stop Face 2. 2” NPT Port Plug

9

7

8

3. Float Valve Assembly

7. Plaster Shield

4. 9`’ Ultra Skimmer Basket

8. Weir Door Assembly

5. Skimmer Collar

9. Weir Door Clips

6. Skimmer Lid

6

Part Numbers/Colors

5

4

SKR101-L – White

SKR102-L – Black

3

SKR103-L – Lt. Gray

SKR105-L – Dk. Gray

1

SKR108-L – Tan

Float valve and deck lid are not NSF certified.

FlowStar® Skimmer with Water Stop Face and Water Bond

Part # SKR15xxx

10-7/32

5-1/2

1-1/4

19-21/32

8-11/16

12-29/32 10-1/4

2

2-1/2″ Spigot x 2″ Socket x 2″ NPT

1. Skimmer Body 2. 2″ Port Plug 3. Gasket 4. Float Assembly 5. Basket 6. Basket Rod 7. Collar

8. Lid 9. Plaster Shield 10. Weir Door 11. Weir Clip, Qty 2 12. Bonding Plate Assembly

10 9 11

8

Part Numbers/Colors

7

5

SKR15101 – White

6

4

SKR15102 – Black

3
SKR15103 – Lt. Gray

1

SKR15105 – Dk. Gray

12

SKR15108 – Tan

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DIMENSIONS AND PARTS LIST

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face
14-15/16 10-7/32
19-21/32

1-1/4

10-3/16

7-7/16

Part # SKR2xx

2-1/2″ spigot x 2″ socket x 2″ NPT

1. Skimmer Body
2. 2″ Port Plug 3. Float Assembly 4. Basket 5. Basket Rod

6. Collar
7. Lid 8. Paster Shield 9. Weir Assembly 10. Weir Clip, Qty 2

8 9 10

7

Part Numbers/Colors

6

4

SKR201 – White

5

SKR202 – Black

3

SKR203 – Lt. Gray

2
SKR205 – Dk. Gray

1

SKR208 – Tan

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face and 9” Ultra Basket (Optional Water Bond)

Part # SKR2xx-L, SKR17xxx-L (Bonded)

~10-7/32

~4-23/32

~1-7/32

~7-31/32

~11-3/16 ~10-7/32

~23-23/32

2

2 1/2″ SP. X 2″ SOC. X 2″ NPT

1. Deep Skimmer Body 2. 2” NPT Port Plug 3. Float Valve Assembly 4. 9`’ Ultra Skimmer Basket

7 8 9
5. Skimmer Collar 6. Skimmer Lid 7. Plaster Shield 8. Weir Door Assembly 9. Weir Door Clips

6

Part Numbers/Colors

5

4

SKR201-L – White

SKR202-L – Black

3

SKR203-L – Lt. Gray

SKR205-L – Dk. Gray

SKR208-L – Tan
1

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face and Water Bond

14-15/16 10-7/32

1-1/4

10-3/16

19-21/32

7-7/16

2

Part # SKR17xxx

2-1/2″ Spigot x 2″ Socket x 2″ NPT

1. Skimmer Body 8. Lid

2. 2″ Port Plug 9. Plaster Shield

3. Gasket

10. Weir Door

4. Float Assembly 11. Weir Clip, Qty 2

5. Basket

12. Bonding Plate Assembly

6. Basket Rod

7. Collar

10 9 11

Part Numbers/Colors
8

7

SKR17101 – White
5
6
SKR17102 – Black
4

3

SKR17103 – Lt. Gray

SKR17105 – Dk. Gray
1
SKR17108 – Tan
12

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DIMENSIONS AND PARTS LIST

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face 4” Extension

10-7/32

8-3/4

1-5/32

10-11/32 8-15/32

19-21/32

7-19/32 2

Part # SKR14xxx

2-1/2″ Spigot x
2″ Socket x 2″ NPT 8

1. Skimmer Body With 6. Collar

9

4″ Extension

7. Lid

2. 2″ Port Plug

8. Weir Assembly

3. Float Assembly

9. Weir Clip, Qty 2

4. Basket

5. Basket Rod

7 Part Numbers/Colors
6

4

SKR1401 – White

5

SKR1402 – Black

3

SKR1403 – Lt. Gray

SKR1405 – Dk. Gray

SKR1408 – Tan
1

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face 4” Extension with 9” Ultra Basket

~10-7/32

~8-3/4

~10-11/32

6

~1-5/32

~8-15/32

5

~7-19/32 4

~23-23/32

3

2

1

2 1/2″ SP. X 2″ SOC. X 2″ NPT

8

7

9

Part # SKR14xxx-L Part # SKR32xxx-L (Bonded)

1. Deep Skimmer Body With 4″ Extension
2. 2″ NPT Port Plug 3. Float Assembly 4. 9″ Ultra Skimmer Basket

5. Skimmer Collar 6. Skimmer Lid 7. Plaster Shield 8. Weir Door Assembly 9. Weir Door Clips

Part Numbers/Colors
SKR1401-L – White SKR1402-L – Black SKR1403-L – Lt. Gray SKR1405-L – Dk. Gray SKR1408-L – Tan

FlowStar® Skimmer with Flush Face 4” Extension and Water Bond

10-7/32

8-3/4

1-5/32

10-11/32 8-15/32

19-21/32

7-19/32 2

Part # SKR32xxx

2-1/2″ Spigot x

8

2″ Socket x 2″ NPT

9

1. Skimmer Body With 4″ Extension
2. 2″ Port Plug
3. Float Assembly 4. Basket 5. Basket Rod

10
6. Collar 7. Lid 8. Plaster Shield 9. Weir Assembly 10. Weir Clip, Qty 2 11. Bonding Plate Assembly

7 Part Numbers/Colors

6

4

SKR3201 – White

5

SKR3202 – Black

3
SKR3203 – Lt. Gray

SKR3205 – Dk. Gray

1

SKR3208 – Tan

11

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WATER STOP FACE INSTALLATION
AquaStar’s Flow Star Skimmer with Water Stop Face provides extra protection against leaks and features 135 degree and bottom flat ledge guides for consistent mouth construction.
To install cover the outer-most flange of the water stop in gunite. Keep 135 degree and flat ledge guide exposed. Apply thin-set directly on top of the water stop 135° and flat ledge guides. Cover in thin-set and tile over if desired.

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

TOP VIEW
CONCRETE
18″

SIDE VIEW

1″ VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT OF FRAME TO ACCOMODATE MISALIGNMENT.

18 ”
11-1/4″ 1″
7-1/2″

TILE

20 ”

10″

18″

EARTH

TO SUCTION PUMP

ALTERNATE MAIN DRAIN LINE

2″ MIN. WATER LINE
TILE
EQUALIZER LINE
CONCRETE PLASTER

LIMITED WARRANTY
Skimmers manufactured by AquaStar are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for one year from date of installation. The foregoing warranties relate to the original consumer purchaser (“Purchaser”) only. AquaStar shall have the option to repair or replace the defective product, at its sole discretion. Purchasers must pay all labor and shipping charges necessary to replace the product covered by this warranty. Requests for warranty service must be made through the installing dealer. This warranty shall not apply to any product that has been subject to negligence, misapplication, improper installation or maintenance, or other circumstances which are not in AquaStar’s direct control. This warranty sets forth AquaStar’s sole obligation and Purchaser’s exclusive remedy for defective products. AQUASTAR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES WHATSOEVER. THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Supersedes all previous publications.

©2023 AquaStar Pool Products
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References

• AquaStar Pool Products